THERE will be no Christmas display in La Castellana this year, the town's top official said.

Mayor Rhumyla Nicor-Mangilimutan, in her Facebook post, announced that the municipal government opted not to have a Christmas display at the town's public plaza this year in light of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) threat.

Nicor-Mangilimutan said she feels sad because they did not design the plaza and municipal hall grounds due to the prevailing pandemic.

"This is not to gather people, so there will be no influx of crowd," she said, adding that "I have noticed that many people visit different places just to take photos with the lighted decorations."

La Castellana town has been visited by local tourists every December because of its themed Christmas attractions.

In 2018, the local government brought the majestic Disney Wonderland to the southern Negros Occidental town.

For the past 20 years since its "Light a Tree" program started, this was the first time that the display had a theme.

Following the crowd-drawer attractions, an environment-friendly-themed Christmas was bannered by the town last year.

Lighted flowers and other decorations made of recycled plastic bottles blossomed in the locality.

For this year, however, the local government prioritized the safety of the residents and visitors.

Nicor-Mangilimutan said "what if kun ma-contaminate kamu mga pinalangga ko? What if makadala kamu sang virus pag balik? (What if you will be infected? what if you will contract the virus when going home?)"

"My appeal is for the people to be careful and always think of the safety not only of ourselves but also of our beloved family and neighbors," she added.